Revision: Feb. 11, 2026, 2:03 p.m.
Rep. Hunt, Ches. 14
February 5, 2026
2026-0558h
07/09
Amendment to HB 1444-FN
Amend the bill by replacing section 1 with the following:
1 New Chapter; Prohibition on Purchase or Acquisition of Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 162-U the following new chapter:
CHAPTER 162-V
PROHIBITION ON PURCHASE OR ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
162-V:1 Definitions. As used in this chapter, “unmanned aircraft system” or “drone” means the same as "aircraft" as defined in RSA 422:3, VI.
162-V:2 Prohibition on Purchase or Acquisition of Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems by the State.
I. Effective January 1, 2028, no state agency shall purchase or acquire a drone or unmanned aircraft system other than those cleared pursuant to RSA 162-V:3.
II. To the extent practicable, state agencies shall purchase or acquire only those drones and unmanned aircraft systems cleared pursuant to RSA 162-V:3 prior to January 1, 2028.
III. Effective January 1, 2028, no state funds shall be used to purchase or acquire a drone or unmanned aircraft system whose purchase would be prohibited by paragraph I.
IV. A contract or agreement for the purchase or acquisition of a drone or unmanned aircraft system in violation of this section is void and unenforceable.
162-V:3 Prohibition on Purchase or Acquisition of Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems by Localities.
I. Effective January 1, 2028, no county, city, town or other political subdivision shall purchase or acquire a drone or unmanned aircraft system that does not meet the requirements of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024, Public Law 118-31, or that has been included on the "covered list" of devices deemed by the Federal Communications Commission to pose an unacceptable risk to the national security to the United States or to the security and safety of United States residents.
II. A contract or agreement for the purchase or acquisition of a drone or unmanned aircraft system in violation of this section is void and unenforceable.
2026-0558h
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill prohibits the state or local governments from acquiring certain drones or unmanned aircraft systems after January 1, 2028.